Magical Vancouver

Canada is truly a gem of a location. I've been to all of the "major" cities (I think) except for Montreal (on my short side of my really long bucket list). The people, the food, the weather and the sights in Vancouver did not disappoint.

I headed to the Pacific northwest in July ahead of our customer trip to Alaska. 

 Our hotel, the Pan Pacific, was located right on the cruise ship port. Guests could just leave their bags in the room on embarkation day and not have to deal with them until they showed up in their stateroom later.

 But first, a few great days in Vancouver as guests began to arrive.  They celebrated their 150th birthday this summer. Alas, they didn't offer me any cake.

 One of my vendor reps, who's been to Vancouver many times, asked if I wanted to climb Grouse Mountain. There is a gondola option. We opted for the stairs. So. Many. Stairs.
I would consider myself in relatively good shape. Not ready to run a marathon, but certainly capable of a nearly two mile hike.
But it's almost all uphill. The Grouse Grind is a grind indeed.

 Halfway.

 But, the views were spectacular. So that was a great reward for making it up.

 Ironically, the Grind allows for one way travel (up) only. The gondola whisked us down in no time.

 Lunch was a welcome sight.

 The next day, Dave finally arrived....

 We hosted a customer dinner the night before we boarded the ship at Rogue. Seafood galore.

 Late night (there may have been a few drinks involved) we ordered poutine. It was....interesting.

 Embarkation morning we left our bags behind and headed over to Fly Over Canada, a must do 4D experience ride.

 Gelato for lunch? OK.

And finally, on board the ship. Ready to set sail.
The Alaska chapter I will save for the next installment.

When Ireland Calls...

An invitation to visit Ireland with a meeting planner's eyes was an opportunity not to be missed. 

After the red eye from Philadelphia to Dublin and a quick transfer to the lovely Portmarnock hotel, a bit of traditional Irish breakfast was very welcome.

No rest for the weary, we made our way to the Guinness Storehouse and had a private lesson on how to pull the perfect pint. (Hint: aim for the harp.)

The next venue tour was of Croke Park. We got to walk the catwalk around the roof. A bit unnerving but the views were worth it.

 Day two brought us to the lovely K Club in Kildare, where I made a new friend.

 Next was a visit to Luttrellstown Castle.

 Then a super-fun afternoon tea experience at the Westin in Dublin.

 That evening, we had dinner at the historic Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. It is easily one of the best dinners I have ever attended. The live entertainment was breathtaking, and dining on the very table the Irish Constitution was written on was beyond amazing. Truly a memorable night.

 Day three began with a cup of tea at the lovely Village at Lyons.

 We made our way across to Killarney and checked into the stunning Hotel Europe.

 A quick trip through the gorgeous Gap of Dunloe via pony and trap.

 Dromoland Castle.

 Cliffs of Moher....

 Stunning views of the ocean from our room at the Doonbeg Resort.

The dapper gentlemen of the group on our last night in Ireland.
The next morning we flew out of Shannon, and headed back to the US. A quick jaunt, but I came home with lots of ideas. We will see what 2019 brings!

Florida Girls Adventure

Duty called and I had to make a Florida road trip happen.
Start in Ft. Lauderdale, drive to Duck Key (south of Islamorada) and then up to Orlando.
School has just let out so Kacy came along for the adventure.

First stop, Hawk's Cay in Duck Key.

Fruity drinks, manatee run ins and visits with the resident dolphins all made for a dream trip for Kacy.

Snorkeling, key lime pie and dolphin kisses rounded out our quick visit to Hawk's Cay in Duck Key.

A five hour drive brought us north to Orlando, and the Omni ChampionsGate.
They had just completed their new wave pool, which of course was a hit.

We put Kacy to work helping set up our show. It isn't all play. Everyone has to earn their keep.

 Terrible photo but trust us, the wave pool is awesome. Counterbalanced by laps around the lazy river, of course.

Dessert on the balcony....rounding out a great trip. Until next time, Florida.

Midwest Road Trip--1,900 miles!

We packed the fam in a rented caravan and headed west last weekend.
The destination was Cuba City, Wisconsin.
So we broke up the trip to visit with fam, do some sightseeing and eat some Chicago pizza.

First, the outbound leg.

Day one took us from Baltimore to Cleveland Heights, to spend the night with Aunt Lacey, Uncle Nate, Will and Sadie.

 Day two we made it to Madison, WI in time for lunch. Cheese curds were a must.

 Aunt Mary flew in from NYC and we explored Madison some more.

 Day three we made it to Mineral Point, west of Madison and north of Cuba City.
The kids loved the homemade root bee floats at the brewery next to our bed and breakfast.

 Grilled cheese made with Hooks Creamery cheddar? Yes, please.

 That evening, we enjoyed a traditional Cornish pasty dinner in the miners cave in the basement of the B&B.

 The kids approved of both the pasty and dining in a cave.

 Day four...heading back east. We stopped for lunch at Giordano's in Hyde Park in Chicago. It didn't disappoint.

 Night four, fourth hotel. We spent the evening on the shore of Lake Erie, just outside Toledo.

 The final stretch back home....the kids were good travelers but worn out.